Watch Tales of the South
- 2018
- 1 Season
Tales of the South is an anthology television series produced by Winning Streak Films. The show follows a unique format, with each episode exploring a different short story set in the American South. Each story is narrated by a different character, ranging from a grizzled old man sitting on his front porch to a young girl playing hopscotch with her friends. The narratives are brought to life through a mix of live-action scenes and animated sequences, each one designed to evoke the specific time and place of the story.
The show is a loving tribute to the Southern storytelling tradition, with each episode delving into the rich and complex history of the region. The stories themselves are a mix of fact and fiction, drawing on real-life events and people as well as more fantastical elements. Some are tragic and heart-wrenching, while others are quirky and lighthearted.
Despite the varied subject matter, each episode is united by a common thread: a deep sense of place. The show celebrates the unique culture and landscape of the South, from its vast swamps and winding country roads to its small towns and bustling cities. The settings are as much characters in their own right as the people who inhabit them, and the show explores how the land shapes the lives and experiences of those who call it home.
The show's cast is an eclectic mix of newcomers and seasoned actors, many of whom hail from the South themselves. The performers bring a sense of authenticity to their roles, infusing each character with a distinct voice and presence. Some of the standout performances include a turn from comedian Tig Notaro as a down-on-her-luck motel owner, and character actor Pruitt Taylor Vince as a reclusive artist haunted by the ghosts of his past.
One of the most striking elements of the show is its visual style. The animated sequences, in particular, stand out as some of the most beautiful and innovative on television. Each one is designed to evoke a different era or mood, from the colorful, whimsical illustrations that accompany a children's story to the gritty, noir-inspired animation that accompanies a story of murder and betrayal. The animation is lush and textured, bringing to life the characters and settings in a way that feels both timeless and modern.
At its heart, Tales of the South is a show about the power of storytelling. Each episode is a finely crafted tale, designed to transport viewers to a different time and place and offer a glimpse into the lives of those who inhabit it. The show celebrates the art of storytelling in all its forms, from the oral traditions passed down through generations to the written word and the visual arts. It invites viewers to join in the tradition, to sit back and let themselves be swept away by the magic of a good story.
Overall, Tales of the South is a beautifully crafted and deeply engaging television series that offers a unique and nuanced perspective on the American South. With its mix of live-action and animation, its rich and varied stories, and its talented cast and crew, the show is a true masterpiece of Southern storytelling.